This will be my first Cuban review!! What a treat- got this RASCC from a BOTL on the CA forums (mbflash), and am very excited to test out my first RA. Heard great things about this brand so I am expecting an enjoyable smoke. Wrapper is a beautiful light chocolate color with an almost vein-less, leathery texture. The size is rather small at 4 1/4 x 42, but a perfect for a quick smoke. I have really been enjoying smaller smokes lately, and hope that this will become a regular in that category. The box pressed shape is a plus for me, but can sometimes make the draw tougher, so we'll see. Cut is a Xikar, lit with matches, along with some cold water. Pre-light - Not much flavor out of the pre-light draw, but the draw itself is good, with a slight tug.
First Third - The distinct Cuban flavor pops out at me (as I smoke rather few Cuban cigars, though I hope to change that soon), along with a toasty and pretzely flavor. A woodiness brang up the rear, and I can tell this will be more on the full bodied side. There is a hint of spiciness, which is very appealing, and it is providing me with some very nice clouds of smoke. Burn is not exactly straight, but no need to fret. No re-lighting necessary. The ash is a very dark grey, almost black color.
Second-Third - The smooth jazz I'm listening to is going very well with this smoke. Spice has quickly taken its place as the driver in this stog, but the wood and toastyness are still very present. A wee bit of harshness developed after stoking the stick, but that is my fault- not Mr. Allones'. I have seem to come across a sweet flavor which it fitting my fancy quite well tonight. It is almost a chocolate flavor, and quite a rich one at that. This would have gone great with a cup of coffee, which again, I neglected to make before I lit up.
Third Third - So far, this has been quite good. The flavors have somehow mellowed and blended together for me, creating a pleasant smoking experience now fore fronted by the "Cubanish" flavor. Burn continues to be less than perfect but nothing to complain about, as the smoke may have even become thicker. The leathery feel is a delight in my hands. The small tug in the draw is prompting me to take my time and focus on each one. This is a rugged stick with just the right amount of polish. Complexity is not a main product of this stick, but there is enough for me to really enjoy each puff. Nubbing it is not even a question for me, as the sweetness, spice, wood and toast notes continue right up until the end, and there is no sign of burning. Surprisingly this lasted me almost 45 minutes!
Conclusion and Score - Well this being my first RA, I am very impressed. I have heard there is a decent amount of variation in these sticks, but this one was perfect for me tonight. The spicy, woody, sweet, and toasty flavors along with the Cuban kick blended perfectly. Draw and burn were not fantastic, but would definitely not stop me from coming back. In fact, this will hopefully be a regular in the AJ humidor. With age, this cigar could really be a beast of a smoke. I would have no problem dubbing this an 89 rating, with room for improvement based on a few years of age. Surely pick one up if you have not had these yet. I am looking forward to the RASS I have- if it is along the lines of this one, I will be in for a treat.
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